Sandbekk Line
| Distance: | Duration: | Terrain: | Level: | Type: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 km | 1 hour | Gravel road, Path | Easy | Hikes |
Between 1917 and 1965 minerals were transported on the Sandbekk Line from Sandbekk mines to Rekefjord in Sokndal. Two kilometres of the corridor is today a picturesque rail trail which stay close to the river Ålgårdselva.
Sandbekk Line. Photo: Alexander Vestrum
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Sandbekk
At Sandbekk you should take a short detour to Dr. Jebsen's Stoll — the mine entrance where you will find railway tracks on the ground. From here you also get a great view of the industrial area. You will find the stoll entrance if you follow the road southwards along the river and take the first road on your left.
Sandbekk Line
Always keep to the right when you follow the river downstream along the rail trail. You will pass tracks and wagons on your way. After a kilometre you will pass through deep rock cuts before you enter the short railway tunnel. This is the most stunning part of the rail trail. After 500 metres the trail ends at the road, but you can follow it a bit further on an overgrown path towards Åmodt.
Blåfjell Line
At the crossroads you can turn left and take a detour to Blåfjell mines along the Blåfjell Line. Until this eight-kilometre railway was closed in 1875, iron ore was transported to Rekefjord. The stretch up to the mines is today a wonderful rail trail pass Ruggesteinen — Northern Europe's largest rocking stone.
How do I get there?
Bus 89 from Egersund to Hauge i Dalane. Follow the cycle path Malmbanen 1.5 kilometres eastwards until you have crossed the bridge over the river Sokna. Take a left and walk 500 metres until you see the rail trail on your right. If you are arriving by car, you can park at Sandbekk. Exit onto County Road 32 at Helleland from Stavanger or County Road 44 at Flekkefjord from Kristiansand. Sandbekk is signposted if you are driving eastwards from Hauge.